In this vivid historical novel, the recently deceased Irish author O Se (House Don't Fall on Me) transports readers back to 19th century Ireland to uncover the true story of Lucinda Sly who conspired to murder her abusive husband and was sentenced to death alongside her lover in 1835. A headstrong widow who supported herself and her son for decades following the untimely death of her first husband, Lucinda is living in solitude when she meets Walter Sly, a local farmer with a questionable reputation. He begins to pursue her and soon the two wed. While Walter is a perfect gentleman during their courtship, as a husband he quickly turns into a belligerent drunk who assaults his wife. Lucinda finds no resort for justice in the small town of Carlow, where married women have few rights. Luckily, she convinces Walter to hire a young man, John Dempsey, to help out on their farm, and once John witnesses Walter's abusive, he and Lucinda become lovers and plot to kill Walter. Through convincing characters and rich period details, O Se fully engages the reader in Lucinda's plight. (Sept.)